Hair spray facial shield

ABSTRACT

A protective shield assembly for hair spray and the like, said assembly comprising a facial shield formed from a sheet of flexible plastic and adapted to cover a user&#39;&#39;s face and approximately engage such along the hairline areas to prevent inhalation of the spray or contact of such with the eyes. The assembly is provided with a bifurcated support handle which may be squeezed in one hand to flex the shield for proper fit, leaving the other hand free for application of hair spray.

United States Patent 1' Alosi et a1.

[ NOV. 20, 1973 HAIR SPRAY FACIAL SHIELD [76] Inventors: Michael Alosi, 365 N. Pine St.; Rieta M. Kellenbeck, 515 North St., both of Susanville, Calif. 96130 22 Filed: 0ct.8, 1971 21 Appl.No.: 187,826

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,060,445 10/ 1962 Brockman 2/9 3,308,816 3/1967 Franklin et a1. 128/146.7 1,524,863 2/1925 Houston 2/174 UX 1,857,974 5/1932 Reno 2/174 1,988,011 1/1935 Margolith 2/174 2,149,121 2/1939 Kronenberger 2/209 3,317,921 5/1967 Zanour 2/9 3,328,806 4/ 1967 Allegro 2/9 3,488,772 1/ 1970 Sturm 2/9 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 6,944 1914 Great Britain 2/174 608,357 4/1926 France 2/11 Primary Examiner-Jordan Franklin Assistant ExaminerPeter Nerbun Att0rneyHarvey B. Jacobson [5 7] ABSTRACT A protective shield assembly for hair spray and the like, said assembly comprising a facial shield formed from a sheet of flexible plastic and adapted to cover a users face and approximately engage such along the hairline areas to prevent inhalation of the spray or contact of such with the eyes. The assembly is provided with a bifurcated support handle which may be squeezed in one hand to flex the shield for proper fit, leaving the other hand free for application of hair spray.

9 Claims, 21 Drawing Figures PATENTEDHUYZO ms I 3.772.707

sum 5 [RF 5 HAIR SPRAY FACIAL SHIELD The present invention is generally related to facial shields and more particularly, to facial shields intended to protect the face from sprays and the like.

In recent years, a variety of hair sprays have been introduced on the market and have been enthusiastically accepted by both men and women alike. It has been found, however, that when using such sprays, the facial areas are left exposed, often resulting in inhalation of the spray or irritation to the eyes. While this most often occurs when the user is applying the spray himself, even beauticians may spray slightly into the facial areas during application of such hair sprays. Furthermore, many such sprays may be detrimental to facial makeup which most women apply prior to hair spraying. It is, therefore, desirable to provide a device for conveniently protecting ones facial area during the application of hair spray or the like.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel protective shield assembly which may be easily held in place over a users facial area to prevent excessive exposure to hair sprays and the like during the application thereof.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a unique protective shield assembly including a curved flexible facial shield formed from a sheet of transparent plastic material which may be conveniently held in ones hand for approximate engagement with the hairline areas during the application of hair spray.

It is further object of the present invention to provide a versatile protective facial shield assembly comprising a curved flexible shield adapted to approximately engage a users hairline under the influence of a bifurcated resilient support handle which may be squeezed to provide proper adjustment around the users face.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel facial shield for use with hair spray or the like and which is comprised of a relatively few number of parts, yet includes means for approximate engagement with a users hairline areas, is durable, long lasting and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. l is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the protective shield assembly of the present invention illustrated covering the face of a user.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the shield assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the shield assembly shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the protective shield assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the protective shield assembly shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the protective shield assembly shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first form of the support handle associated with the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second form of the support handle associated with the present invention.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are partial perspective views of modi fied forms of the support handle associated with the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a modified form of the handle grip portions of the support handle associated with the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of another modified form of handle grip portions associated with the support handle of the present invention.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are partial exploded perspective views of further modified forms of the support handle associated with the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of another form of the support handle associated with the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a partial elevational view of another form of the support handle associated with the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a partial exploded perspective view of the support handle shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a partial exploded perspective view illustrating the connection between a modified form of the facial shield and support handle associated with the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an ear cover member associated with the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a partial exploded perspective view of the snap fitting associated with the ear cover member of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view of the snap fitting illustrated in FIG. 20 in the assembled condition.

Referring now, more particularly, to FIGS. 1-3, the protective shield assembly of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral 20 and includes a flexible transparent facial shield 22 adapted to engage the hairline areas of a user indicated by the numeral 24. Facial shield 22 is adapted to be carried by a relatively rigid support handle 25 extending generally below the facial shield when such is in use. Facial shield 22, preferably, is formed from a relatively thin sheet of transparent plastic material, such that in the assembled condition, it assumes a shape characterized by a surface curved in a single plane. The shape corresponds to that of a section of a cone, tapering inwardly toward an upper edge portion 26. However, if desired, the facial shield may be compoundedly curved or shaped in the form of a partial cylinder. The partial conical configuration, however, is generally less expensive to manufacture since flat sheets of plastic material may be more easily utilized.

The peripheral edges of the facial shield are formed such that the upper edge portion 26 approximately engage the users hairline along the forehead areas to prevent the entrance of hair spray behind the shield. The relative thinness of the facial shield permits insertion beneath hair which might be covering the forehead, as in the case with many hair styles. The upper edge 26 curves gently downward at 28 and 30 in a manner gen- '1 erally corresponding to the shape of the hairline around opposite sides of the forehead.

In the preferred embodiment, the assembly is also provided with a pair of ear cover members 32 and 34, preferably, formed of plastic and generally elliptical in shape. The ear cover members are pivotally mounted to facial shield 22 by way of snap fasteners 35 or other fastening means such that the cover members may be selectively positioned to adjust for the degree of ear coverage required, dependent upon hair style. If desired, the ear cover members may be pivoted out of the way to a position shown by dashlines in FIG. 1.

In the preferred embodiment, support handle 25 is characterized by a relatively rigid, resilient member formed to provide a pair of substantially parallel handle grip portions 36 and 38 defined by opposite sides of a U-shaped section. A pair of diverging arms 40 and 42 extend outwardly in a generally horizontal direction from the top ends of handle grip portions 36 and 38, respectively. Preferably, the arms also extend slightly in a backward direction from the handle grip portions to provide adequate chin clearance. The facial shield is provided with an arcuate bottom edge 44 which, preferably, coincides with the plane defined by arms 40 and 42. The arms are bent at 46 and 48 to define a pair of elongated, oppositely disposed fingers 50 and 52 which are connected to opposite side portions of the facial shield. The fingers extend upwardly in directions generally parallel to hand grip portions 36 and 38 and engage the outer surfaces of the side portions of the facial shield.

It will be appreciated, that as the hand grip portions, 36 and 38 are squeezed toward each other, fingers 50 and 52 press inwardly against the side portions of the facial shield. This provides a convenient means of adjusting the transverse dimension and curvature of the shield, such that its edges generally conform in a gentle manner to the hairline areas thereby minimizing the possibility that the edges might scratch the user. It should be noted that movement of the handle grip portions will effectively be amplified at fingers 50 and 52 due to the pivotal flexing about the base of the U- shaped support handle.

Connection of the fingers to the facial shield may be accomplished by way of pairs of upper and lower holes formed in the facial shield and adapted to accommodate snap fittings 54 and 56 or similar fastening means, the upper holes and fittings being effective to also pivotally support ear cover members 32 and 34. The rigidity of the fingers influences the side portions inwardly along substantially the entire length of each finger. This arrangement is also effective to firmly bias the ear cover members into proper position. Thus, the resiliency of the shield, combines with its conical curvature, together with the relative rigidity of the support handle provides a unique means of squeeze type movement to effect closure along the hairline areas of the forehead and progressively down both sides of the hairline to a point below the ear locations. It will also be appreciated that the versatility of the assembly is further enhanced by the pivoted ear covers which may be conveniently adjusted to accommodate a variety of hair styles.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 through 6, a second embodiment of the protective shield assembly of the present invention may be seen, such being generally indicated by the numeral 60. Generally, this embodiment of the invention is similar in shape and operation to that of the first embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 1 3. However, the second embodiment is provided with an integral support handle 62 formed of relatively rigid, resilient plastic material integral with a facial shield indicated by the numeral 64. Preferably, the junction between handle 62 and the facial shield 64 is characterized by outwardly curved areas 66 and 68 of increased thickness and extending upwardly in a tapered manner in a direction generally parallel to that of the hand grip portions. Rigidity within the areas 66 and 68 is effective to transmit flexing of the support handle to achieve proper engagement of the facial shield edges with the hairline areas. This modified form of the present invention may be inexpensively manufactured by plastic molding or vacuum forming techniques which are well known within the plastics art and themselves do not form a part of the present invention. Ear covers members 70 and 72 may be formed separately as in the case with the first embodiment, such that they may be pivotally mounted to the integral facial shield and support handle to permit easy adjustment. It will be appreciated that the curved reinforcing areas 66 and 68 may also be provided with rigid reinforcing members, such as metal strips, which may be molded into the shield during manufacture.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, two forms of typical support handles for use with the first embodiment of the present invention are illustrated. The support handle shown in FIG. 7 corresponds to that illustrated in FIG. 1, a description of which appears above. It will be appreciated that oppositely disposed fingers 50 and 52 may be angled inwardly slightly toward each other as they extend in the upward direction. This provides an increased squeezing effect upon the upper hairline areas of the forehead. Of course, minor variations in the size and shape of the support handle of FIG. 7 are deemed to fall within the scope of the present invention. The support handle illustrated in FIG. 8 is similar in configuration to that shown in FIG. 7, but is comprised of a bent heavy-gauge wire, preferably of tempered steel and includes two pairs of loops or eyelets 74 and 76 adapted to engage snap fittings for other fasteners for connection to the facial shield and ear cover members. The overall thickness of this form of the handle support is considerably less than that shown in FIG. 7 and may be more desirable for transportation purposes due to its compactness and light weight.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate modified forms of the hand grip portions associated with the support handle. In order to provide a more comfortable and manipulatable hand grip, the support handle may be provided with a pair of molded plastic handles 78 and 80 formed around the handle grip portions 36 and 38 of the support handle illustrated in FIG. 7. By providing a resilient, flexible molded plastic, a U-shaped handle grip 82 may be provided, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the handle grips illustrated in FIG. 9. If desired, the molded handle grips may be such that the steel handle grip portions 36 and 38 may be eliminated or substantially shortened such as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12 with handle portions 82 and 84 being connected by a U-shaped resilient member 86, preferably, of tempered steel construction.

FIGS. 13 through 15 illustrate various forms of U- shaped spring members which may be utilized with either the single piece molded plastic handle shown in FIG. 10 or the two piece construction illustrated in FIG. 9. The purpose of the resilient U-shaped members 85, 87 and 89 is to return the support handle and facial shield to its initial position when the flexing forces are removed. The U-shaped spring members may be either molded into the plastic handles or inserted subsequent to molding and held in place by way of an interference fit or conventional glues, cements, or resins.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, another form of the support handle construction may be seen. This form, generally indicated by the numeral 90, is of two piece construction including handle grip members 92 and 94, the bottom portions of which are of decreased thickness and adapted to overlap each other as indicated at 96 and 98. These areas of decreased thickness are provided with spring cavities 100 and 102 with mounting apertures 104 and 106 extending therein. A coil spring 108 is provided with a pair of diverging arm portions 110 and 112 with finger portions 114 and 116 extending at right angles thereto. The spring is held in place by way of a pivot pin 1 18 extending through apertures 104 and 106 with finger portions 114 and 116 engaging holes 101 and 103 in the walls of the spring cavities 100 and 102. Thus, as handle grip members 92 and 94 are flexed inwardly, the finger portions associated with coil spring 108 influence the handle grip members to return to their original positions.

FIG. 18 illustrates another form of the connection between the support handle and facial shield. The construction illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a support handle having a pair of elongated upwardly extending fingers engaging a substantial area of the facial shield side portions. In the embodiment of FIG. 18, these fingers are foreshortened as indicated at 120 and are adapted to be snugly received within an internal slot 122 molded or otherwise formed in the bottom edge of the facial shield. Preferably, the facial shield material is thickened as indicated at 124 within the general area of slot 122 to provide added strength to the connection necessary for support and flexing of the facial shield.

FIGS. 19 through 21 illustrate the preferred embodiment of the ear cover members 32 each being provided with a female snap fitting 126 molded or otherwise formed therein. The facial shield is provided with a cor responding integral circular shaped male snap fitting 128 with a cut or slot 130 to permit expansion and contraction thereof during the snap fitting process. Since the fittings may be molded directly into the ear cover and facial shield, the cost of manufacture is kept to a minimum. Furthermore, the snap fittings may be fashioned and sized to accommodate the finger associated with the support handle, such as that illustrated in FIG. l, by sandwiching the relatively thin fingers between the male and female snap fittings.

From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that the protective shield assembly of the present invention provides a convenient means of protecting ones face during the application of hair spray, the assembly being manipulated by one hand, leaving the other hand free for the hair spray application.

By placing the handles beneath the shield as illustrated, the user's hand is protected against the spray, yet, there is sufficient opening for air circulation to prevent fogging due to the users breath. Furthermore, the assembly is adapted to accommodate a great variety of hair styles and facial configurations, it is durable, long lasting and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A protective shield assembly comprising a sheet of normally planar resilient flexible material curved to define a facial shield and having an upper edge adapted to approximately engage the hairline areas of a user, a bottom edge underlying and generally parallel to said upper edge, and oppositely disposed side portions terminating at free side edges extending between said upper edge and said bottom edge, and a support handle normally extending below said bottom edge during use, said support handle being of bifurcated, flexible construction and including a pair of spaced, oppositely disposed elongated hand grip portions and a medial por tion interconnecting said hand grip portions, said medial portion being substantially spaced from said facial shield with said hand grip portions lying between said medial portion and said facial shield, means connected to said handle and said facial shield and extending for some length along said oppositely disposed side portions for the flexing of said facial shield to adjust the dimension between said side edges and the curvature of said upper edge for approximate engagement thereof with the hairlineareas to prevent excessive exposure of a users facial area to a spray.

2. The structure set forth in clam 1 wherein said facial shield is generally arcuate in shape between said oppositely disposed side portions and free to flex relative to said handle along said bottom edge between said hand grip portions, said support handle being effective to reduce the radius of curvature of said shield when said gripping portions are flexed toward each other, said hand grip portions being generally parallel to the axis of curvature.

3. The structure set forth in claim 1 wherein said support handle includes means biasing said hand grip portions to predetermined relaxed positions and being effective to return said hand grip portions thereto upon release subsequent to flexing.

4. The structure set forth in claim 3 wherein said assembly includes a pair of ear cover members connected to the side portions of said facial shield for covering a users ears during spraying.

5. The structure set forth in claim 4 wherein said ear cover members are adjustably connected to the side portions of said facial shield for selective adjustment relative to said facial shield.

6. The structure set forth in claim 5 wherein said adjustable connecting means comprises a snap fitting pivotally connecting said ear cover members to said side portions.

7. The structure set forth in claim 2 wherein said facial shield is formed from a relatively thin sheet of transparent plastic material such that a users vision is not obstructed thereby.

8. The structure set forth in claim 2 wherein said support handle is integral with said facial shield.

9. The structure set forth in claim 2 wherein said support handle is comprised of a relatively rigid resilient piece of material with said handle grip portions being substantially parallel to each other when said support handle is in the relaxed condition. 

1. A protective shield assembly comprising a sheet of normally planar resilient flexible material curved to define a facial shield and having an upper edge adapted to approximately engage the hairline areas of a user, a bottom edge underlying and generally parallel to said upper edge, and oppositely disposed side portions terminating at free side edges extending between said upper edge and said bottom edge, and a support handle normally extending below said bottom edge during use, said support handle being of bifurcated, flexible construction and including a pair of spaced, oppositely disposed elongated hand grip portions and a medial portion interconnecting said hand grip portions, said medial portion being substantially spaced from said facial shield with said hand grip portions lying between said medial portion and said facial shield, means connected to said handle and said facial shield and extending for some length along said oppositely disposed side portions for the flexing of said facial shield to adjust the dimension between said side edges and the curvature of said upper edge for approximate engagement thereof with the hairline areas to prevent excessive exposure of a user''s facial area to a spray.
 2. The structure set forth in clam 1 wherein said facial shield is generally arcuate in shape between said oppositely disposed side portions and free to flex relative to said handle along said boTtom edge between said hand grip portions, said support handle being effective to reduce the radius of curvature of said shield when said gripping portions are flexed toward each other, said hand grip portions being generally parallel to the axis of curvature.
 3. The structure set forth in claim 1 wherein said support handle includes means biasing said hand grip portions to predetermined relaxed positions and being effective to return said hand grip portions thereto upon release subsequent to flexing.
 4. The structure set forth in claim 3 wherein said assembly includes a pair of ear cover members connected to the side portions of said facial shield for covering a user''s ears during spraying.
 5. The structure set forth in claim 4 wherein said ear cover members are adjustably connected to the side portions of said facial shield for selective adjustment relative to said facial shield.
 6. The structure set forth in claim 5 wherein said adjustable connecting means comprises a snap fitting pivotally connecting said ear cover members to said side portions.
 7. The structure set forth in claim 2 wherein said facial shield is formed from a relatively thin sheet of transparent plastic material such that a user''s vision is not obstructed thereby.
 8. The structure set forth in claim 2 wherein said support handle is integral with said facial shield.
 9. The structure set forth in claim 2 wherein said support handle is comprised of a relatively rigid resilient piece of material with said handle grip portions being substantially parallel to each other when said support handle is in the relaxed condition. 